Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, June 11, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS >> The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent Ahmad Bradshaw on Tuesday, adding a veteran running back to their crowded backfield.

The 27-year-old Bradshaw spent seven seasons with the New York Giants, but left the team in February -- one of a handful of high-salaried players released as part of roster purge intended to clear up salary cap room and bring in younger talent. He ran for 1,015 yards on 221 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and scored six touchdowns last season but missed four games with injuries.

As the Colts opened their mandatory mini-camp, Bradshaw figures to battle with second-year running back Vick Ballard, who led the team in rushing as a rookie, for a prime role in the backfield and with Donald Brown, now in his fifth year.

Indy now has nine running backs on the roster, including seventh-round draft pick Kerwynn Williams and fullback Stanley Havili, who was acquired in a March trade with Philadelphia. Williams is listed at 5-foot-8, 195 pounds. But the other five backs have a combined total of six NFL carries, all by Havili last season.

In seven seasons with the Giants, Bradshaw played in 84 of 96 games, starting 33 and rushed for 4,232 yards and 32 touchdowns. He is best known for scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl two years ago on an awkward flop. The play gave the Giants a 21-17 victory over New England.

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Indy spent much of the offseason fortifying its defense and an offensive line that gave up far too many hits on Andrew Luck last season. The Colts signed nine veteran free agents including right tackle Gosder Cherilus, safety LaRon Landry, guard Donald Thomas and linebacker Erik Walden. They also drafted Bjorn Werner in the first round.

But other than drafting Williams in the seventh round and trading for Havili, the Colts didn't make any significant moves in the backfield.